MEDITATION PRACTICE VIDEOS
TONGLEN PRACTICE FOR (SELF) COMPASSION
In this traditional Tibetan meditation practice of Giving and Receiving — we work with our bodies as a vessel that alchemizes our painful, difficult, tender or inflamed emotions into that which is refreshing, soothing, and full of ease. Practice begins at the 3 minute 20 second mark. Just grab a comfortable seat and perhaps a pen and paper to capture your own insights. See you on the cushion.
2. LOVINGKINDNESS (METTA) MEDITATION
As I mention in the video, this is one of my hands-down favorite meditation practices, always, however just like the question of "how are you", it seems especially relevant right now.
Adopted from the traditional Buddhist suttas, it's said that LovingKindness practice was given to monks as a form of protection against some tree spirits that were bullying them as they tried to practice. Now, you may not be facing tree-spirit harassment at the moment, but I for one am all in for a little extra protection against the more mundane disturbances. Like anxiety. Loneliness. Numbness. Fear. I recorded this for an online series before we all sealed ourselves away indoors, however what I mention in the video holds:
LovingKindness practice is a method of turning up the dial on the heart-qualities that we all possess, just by virtue of being human. It has the potential to make us more instinctively kind. Impulsively generous. Patient. Forgiving. Open.
I would also add -- for this specific moment in time -- that it can make us feel more socially connected, even as we physically distance.
Take it to the cushion, and then apply it as needed.
Try it when you hear ambulance sirens, blaring outside of your home.
Try it as you make eye contact with the cashier on your grocery run.
Try it as you fall asleep at night, or wake up in the morning.
May it be so.
3. MEDITATION POSTURE CLINIC
This video was originally aired as a part of the online series 31 Days of Devotion and was inspired by a participant who asked : “What do I do if my body is in pain during meditation practice?” If you’ve ever experienced discomfort on the cushion — from cranky hips, to a leg falling asleep, to full-blown physical pain, this mini-posture clinic is for you. Want to skip the preamble? The posture clinic begins at the 2 minute mark.
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5. WHAT IS “MINDFULNESS” EXACTLY? + MEDITATION PRACTICE
This video was originally aired as a part of the online series 31 Days of Devotion.
“ Mindfulness” is a super-buzzy wellness word right now, which fills my heart with glee. It makes sense. As the demands on our time and attention increase, and the distractions of our digital world show no signs of slowing down, of course we’re looking for more ways to feel sane, grounded, and mentally clear. However, as mindfulness becomes more and more popular, there are signs that the meaning of mindfulness — and instruction for how to practice it — has become a bit diluted. In this video, I return us back to basics, by offering a brass tacks definition of what "Mindfulness" is -- and what makes it different from regular old "paying attention".Want to skip right to sitting practice? Meditation begins at the 8 minute, 30 second mark.
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5. Yoko Ono — Cleaning Piece V : Blessing and Forgiving Practice
This video was originally aired as a part of the online series 31 Days of Devotion.
IN this video I invoke the wonderful weirdo and Queen of Everything, Yoko Ono, to inspire our meditation practice. Yoko Ono usually gets a bad rap for breaking up The Beatles. Which, in my opinion, is the least interesting thing about her, and tends to swallow up the legacy of her magical mind.
In her book, Acorn, she presents us with playful koan-like instructions such as:
"Tape the sound of your friend ranting. Bury it in the ground on a snowy day."
and
"Take off your pants before you fight".
(The latter is just good advice.)
As well as the inspiration for today's practice, titled "Cleaning Piece V". If you're a fan of compassion practices this one is for you. If you want to skip my introduction and get right to the action, you can forward the video to the 4 minute and 20 second mark.
As Queen Yoko says: "Try whenever you remember to do it. Try whenever you feel stressed out. See what happens to your life."
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